Dutch researchers may have found a connection between frequent work on short-haul flights and an increased risk of on-the-job accidents involving cabin crewmembers.1,2
Conversely, frequent assignments to long-haul flights may have a negative association with occurrences of occupational accidents, according to the study, published in the December issue of Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine.
The researchers noted that studies of workers in other industries have identified an increased rate of work-related injuries among those who work long hours or irregular schedules — two situations that are common in the airline industry. Other studies also note a connection between irregular schedules and fatigue, poor sleep quality and quantity, and a disruption of circadian rhythm — also situations common among workers in the airline industry.
The researchers said that their work suggested a similar link between short-haul scheduling of cabin crewmembers an…
